Telescopic sight



Majr 25, 1965 c. w. HAGEMAN TELESCOPIC SIGHT Filed sept. 2o, 1961 his AKA/EYZ United States Patent 3,184,852 TELESCOPIC SIGHT Chester Wray Hageman, Cromwell, Conn., assigner to The Lyman Gun Sight Corporation, Middlefield, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Filed Sept. 20, 1961, Ser. No. 39,396 3 Claims. (Cl. 33-50) This invention relates to telescopic sights having internal adjustments for shifting the line of sight, and it relates more particularly to the means by which a movable member for shifting the line of sight is pivotally mounted within the sight.

Various arrangements have been proposed heretofore for pivotally mounting a reticule holder in a telescopic gunsight so that smooth accurate adjustment of the reticule can be obtained without danger of such adjustment being thrown out of line by the recoil of the gun on which it is mounted or by accidental jarring of the gun or scope in some other manner. Within the last few years there has been a considerable demand for telescopic gunsights in which the reticule remains substantially centered within the visible lield even when the scope has been adjusted to its limit of adjustment for windage or elevation. An example of such a scope is shown in the patent to Kollmorgen et al., 2,955,512, in which both the erector lens and reticule are supported in a pivoted tube and swung transversely of the optical axis. The patent to Weaver, 2,949,816, shows a sight in which only the erector lens is moved across the longitudinal axis of the scope.

The object of the present invention is to provide a simple, sturdy mount for the member which supports the reticule or erector lens so lthat it can be moved transversely of the scope. Another object of the invention is to mount such a support member so that it pivots freely but without moving longitudinally of the scope.

In accordance with the present invention the supporting tube for the reticule or the erector lens, as the case may be, is pivotally mounted in a sleeve, which is ixed within the housing of the sight, and to which the supporting tube is attached by means of a single pivot pin through the mounting sleeve and supporting tube. The inside diameter of the mounting sleeve is only slightly greater than the outside diameter of the portion of the supporting tube through which the pivot pin extends. This arrangement permits the supporting tube to pivot freely in any direction, and while the angle through which the supporting tube can swing is limited, it is adequate for most purposes. This is especially true in cases where the erector lens is mounted in the supporting tube because only a small angular movement of the supporting tube is required in order to produce adequate movement of the image relative to the reticule.

A particularly desirable embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings showing a telescopic gunsight in which the erector lens is mounted in a tube pivoted adjacent the objective lens. It will be understood, however, that the means for mounting the supporting tube, to which the present invention is directed, can be employed in other arrangements. For example, the supporting tube can be pivoted near the eye-piece, as in the above-mentioned patents to Kollrnorgen et al. and Weaver, or the tube could mount only the reticule for transverse movement across the field of view. In other words, the present invention is not limited to a centered reticule type of sight, such as that specically disclosed hereinafter.

ln the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section of a telescopic gunsight embodying the invention, taken substantially along the line 1-1 of FIG. 3, and broken away near one end in order to show the complete assembly;

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FIG. 2 is a detail view of the pivotal mounting for the erector tube, shown on an enlarged scale; and

FIG. 3 is a section taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. l.

As in conventional telescopic gunsights, the present scope consists basically of an outer housing indicated generally at 10, supporting an objective lens 12, an ocular lens i4 and the erecting lens or lenses 16. A reticule 18 is xed at or substantially in the second or eye-piece image plane, which in this instance, is located longitudinally of the scope at a point indicated by the broken line f2 in front (to the left as shown in FIG. l) of the ocular lens 14. The lirst image plane f1 in the present optical system is located just forward of the perpendicularly disposed windage and elevation adjusting screws 20 and 22, respectively.

The outer casing itl of the scope is made up of tubular sections 24 and 26, each threaded into a central turret member' 28, through which adjusting screws 2t? and 22 extend into the interior of the scope. Adjusting screws 20 and 22 are generally similar to those shown in the patent to Plummer, 2,715,276. Cover caps 30 may be provided in order to prevent accidental adjustment of screws Ztl .and 22 and as an additional safeguard against leakage of moisture into the scope. Spring detents 32 cooperate with the peripheral serrations 34 on each adjusting screw in order to indicate precise movements of screws 2i), 22 by means of the audible clicks of detents 32 on serrations 34 as screws 20, 22 are rotated.

An objective-lens piece 36, within which the objective lens 12 is mounted, is threaded within the forward end of tubular section 24 of casing 16. The eye-piece 3S, supporting ocular lens 14, is threadedly mounted on the externally threaded back end of tubular section 26 for longitudinal adjustment in focusing the scope in the usual manner, a lock-ring 46 being provided for fixing the eyepiece 38 in proper focus.

Reticule 18, which may be of any desired type, such as cross-hairs, consists of a mounting ring 41 on which the cross-hairs or the like are fastened, ring 41 in turn being secured by means of screws 42 to a hollow sleeve 44 fixed within the back end of tubular section 26 of the casing 10. A diaphragm ring 46 is interposed between the reticule 18 and sleeve 44 and is therefore xed with the reticule at or substantially in the second image plane f2.

Erector lens 16 is shown in this instance as consisting of a pair of spaced compound lenses mounted within a tubular member 50, which is pivotally connected adjacent the objective or forward end of the scope in tubular section 24 of casing 10. Member 50, which is referred to hereinafter as the erector tube, is suspended rearwardly of its pivot point between the inner ends of adjusting screws 20 and 22 and a leaf spring 52 positioned as shown in FIG. 3 opposite adjusting screws 2G, 22 and bisecting the 270 angle between them. Spring 52 is fastened at one end by any suitable means, such as mounting screw 54, to tubular section 26 of casing 10. The opposite or free end of spring 52 presses against the outer side of erector tube Si) urging it into firm engagement with the ends of adjusting screws 20 and 22.

In order to obtain smooth and substantially recti-linear movement of erector tube 59 upon adjustment of one adjusting screw with respect to the other, a bearing ring 56 is fixed on the outer surface of erector tube 50 for engagement with screws 2i) and 22. As shown in FIG. l, the outer surface of bearing ring 55 is rounded in crosssection, thus providing, for all practical purposes, a point contact with the flat end of each of screws 20 and 22. Bearing ring 56 may be press fit on erector tube 50, or if desired, in place of ring 56 the walls of erector tube 50 may be bulged or otherwise formed in order to provide a similar surface for engagement with screws 20 and 22.

Erector tube 50 most desirably decreases in diameter adsense from its forward end at which it is pivotally supported within the casing 1t? toward its free end in which the erector lenses 16 are mounted. In this instance tubular sections of different diameter are fitted together endwise, one Within the other, as shown in FIG. 1,-and welded or otherwise rigidly fastened together. A one-piece tubey reduced in diameter near the middle or a continuously tapered tube could of course be used in place of the Vcompound tube shown.

In pivotally supporting the erector tube 50 in the scope, it is important that the tube be allowed freedom of movement at its outer end, at least in the vertical and horizontal planes. At the same time, it is essential that the erector tube 50 be rigidly fixed against longitudinal shifting Within casing 1G under severe impact or shock caused, for example, by the recoil of the gun on which it is mounted. To this end, the simple, rugged pivotal mount- Y ing shown in FIG. 2 is employed. A portion of the forward end of the tubular section 24 of the casing 10 is formed With a slightly enlarged inside diameter in order to form an annular shoulder 60 within the tubular section 24 suitably spacedv from the front end thereof. A mounting sleeve 62 fits tightly within the enlarged lportion of tubular sectionY 24 and rests against shoulder 60. A retaining ring 64 threadedly engages internal threads formed at the forward end of tubular section 24. When retaining ring 64 is turned down tight against mounting sleeve 62, the latter becomes positively xed within the casing `liti. I

The forward end of erector tube 50 fits snugly within mounting sleeve 62 for pivotal movement therein, and

for this purpose is formed with a rounded Vbead 66 whichv completely surrounds the end or pivot portion-of tube 50.'

The rounded periphery of bead y66 just fits within and engages the inner surface of mounting sleeve 62. A single pivot pin 68` through `mounting sleeve 62 and erector tube S fixes the latter longitudinally within the scope, while permitting it to pivot `about pin 68. Mounting sleeve 62 is fastened to erector tube 50 by means of pivot `pin 68 prior to .assembly of these members within tubular section 24, and'of course before the objective-lens piece 36 is mounted thereon.

Pivot pin 68 is provided with a threaded portion at one end, the threads extending a distance no greater than the lthickness of sleeve 62 to which it is fastened. In addition pin 68 has an Unthreaded shank 7) which extends in-V wardly of mounting sleeve 62 through a hole or recess 72 of like diameter in the bead portion 66 of erector tube 60. If desired bothshank 70 and hole 72 may be tapered in order to permit adjustment of the desired snugnessof pin '68 in hole 72 by turning down or backing oft on pin 68.

However, it has been found that a satisfactory fit of pivot pin 68 in hole 72 can be obtained if normal manufacturing-tolerances are maintained. Therefore, while a taper lit is desirable, it is not essential. The outer end of pin 63`lies iiush with or below the outer surface of sleeve 62 so that the. latter will fit within the enlarged portion of tubular section 24.

In order to ensure Afree pivotal movement of erector tube Sil-within mounting sleeve 62, Vthe inner surfaceof mounting sleeve 62 may be beveled outwardly, as shown at '74, from pivot pin 68 toward the `free end oferect'or tube 50. Y Y

It will be seen that by turning either of the windage or elevation adjusting screws 20, 22, erector tube 50 is pivoted about pivot pin 68v carrying with it erector lenses 16. Movement of erector lenses 16 across the optical axis defined by the objective 12 and ocular 16 causes the image sighted to be shifted transversely of the reticule 18 which remains centered in the field of View.

What'is claimed is:

l. A telescopic sight having a housing and internal adjusting means for shifting the` lineof sight, said internal adjusting means 'comprising Aa supporting tube pivoted horizontally and vertically Within saidhousing, said supporting tube having a pivot portion on which `it is pivotally movable, means for pivoting said supporting tube, a sleeve for pivotally mounting said'supporting tubefixed within said housing, a rounded bead positioned on Vand extending circumferentially completely around at least one of said pivot portion and sleeve for pivotal engagement with the other, and a single pivot lpinthrough said mounting sleeve and supporting tube connecting the `pivot portion of said supporting tube with said mounting sleeve for `pivotal movement of said supporting tube both horizontally and vertically about said pivot pin.

2. A telescopio sight as defined in claim l, wherein said pivot pin is' fixed insaid mounting sleeve and the pivot portion of-said supporting tube has a recess receiving the free end ofsaid pivot pin,fsaid pin and recess fitting such thatrsaid supporting tube'is substantially restrained against any movement longitudinallyof the sight,

while being permitted limited; free pivotal 'movement References Cited by. the vExaminer UNITED STATES PATENTS ISAAC LISANN, Primary Examiner, 

1. A TELESCOPIC SIGHT HAVING A HOUSING AND INTERNAL ADJUSTING MEANS FOR SHIFTING THE LINE OF SIGHT, SAID INTERNAL ADJUSTING MEANS COMPRISING A SUPPORTING TUBE PIVOTED HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY WITHIN SAID HOUSING, SAID SUPPORTING TUBE HAVING A PIVOT PORTION ON WHICH IT IS PIVOTALLY MOVABLE, MEANS FOR PIVOTING SAID SUPPORTING TUBE, A SLEEVE FOR PIVOTALLY MOUNTING SAID SUPPORTING TUBE FIXED WITHIN SAID HOUSING, A ROUNDED BEAD POSITIONED ON AND EXTENDING CIRCUMFERENTIALLY COMPLETELY AROUND AT LEAST ONE OF SAID PIVOT PORTION AND SLEEVE FOR PIVOTAL ENGAGEMENT WITH THE OTHER, AND A SINGLE PIVOT PIN THROUGH SAID MOUNTING SLEEVE AND SUPPORTING TUBE CONNECTING THE PIVOT PORTION OF SAID SUPPORTING TUBE WITH SAID MOUNTING SLEEVE FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF SAID SUPPORTING TUBE BOTH HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY ABOUT SAID PIVOT PIN. 